Basic Emergency Kit | Recommended Additional Items | Service Animal Emergency Kit | Related Links
In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. These items may not apply to every situation or every person; refer to the appropriate section for additional recommended items and select them according to your own needs. Check your kit twice a year to ensure contents are up to date. Re-stock as needed.
- Water – at least one gallon of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
- Food that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
- Manual can-opener
- Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries)
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
- First aid kit
- Special items such as prescription medications, MedicAlert® bracelet or identification
- Extra keys to your car and house
- Cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and change for payphones
- Special items according to your needs (i.e., prescription medication, infant formula, special equipment, pet food and water, etc)
- A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
- Other:_____________________________________
Recommended additional items checklist
- One additional gallon of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
- Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
- Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
- Toiletries, hand sanitizer, utensils
- Garbage bags for personal sanitation
- Toilet paper
- Minimum of a week's supply of prescription medications
- Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
- Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
- Small fuel-operated stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's directions and store fuel properly)
- A whistle (in case you need to call for help)
- Duct tape (i.e., to tape up windows, doors, air vents)
- Detailed list of all special needs items, in the event that they need to be replaced
Tip:
Have a phone at home that does not require electrical power to work (i.e., a corded phone or a TTY).
Service Animal Emergency Kit Checklist
This checklist identifies the basic items you should prepare to keep your service animal comfortable during an emergency. Make sure the kit is easy to carry in case of a home evacuation.
- Minimum 72-hour supply of bottled water and pet food
- Portable water and food bowls
- Paper towels and manual can opener
- Medications with a list identifying medical condition, dosage, frequency and contact information of prescribing veterinarian
- Medical records including vaccination record
- Leash and collar
- Blanket and toy
- Plastic bags
- Bandages (a dog's paws could get cut on rough terrain)
- Up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian (a microchip is also recommended)
- Recent photo of your service animal in case they get separated from you
- Copy of license
- Other:_____________________________________
- Are You Prepared?
- Emergency Preparedness Planning
- Types of Emergencies and How to Prepare
- Path to Preparedness - Safety Plan Checklist
- Emergency Alerts
- More HEPRA Resources